Inquest called in death of man who jumped from plane

Nunavut’s chief coroner will conduct an inquiry into the death of Julian Tologanak, the Cambridge Bay man who jumped from an airplane last April.

The coroner’s inquest is scheduled to take place in Cambridge Bay April 12, the Office of the Chief Coroner announced Friday.

Tologanak, 20, was travelling aboard an Adlair King Air 200 from Yellowknife to Cambridge Bay when he became agitated, managed to pry the door open at 7,000 metres and jump out.

Frank Pearce, the deputy chief coroner, said the inquest is warranted because it took place on an airplane where other members of the public were put at risk.

He said the purpose of the inquiry is to determine if there are ways to avoid preventable deaths in the future, and make any needed recommendations.

Pearce added it’s possible the inquest could lead to the discovery of new information.

“Sometimes when you start asking questions you find out you have more questions to ask,” he said.

Anyone who wants to participate or make presentations at the inquiry may phone 975-7292.